HTC 8X hands-on

Before we dive right into the nitty gritty, we have to say that HTC's press event today in the Big Apple reminded us about Nokia's shindig not too long ago. In fact, there are plenty of similarities between the two, as Windows Phones and rainbow colors were in full force. As we heard earlier today, veteran smartphone maker HTC made some noise in the Windows Phone 8 space, as they introduced the HTC 8X to the world.

Considering that the Taiwanese based company has industrial designs nailed down to the tooth, it doesn't surprise us that the 8X follows in fashion to the manufacturer's reputation. We have to admit, we're digging the new tapered styling of the handset, which at the same time, sports one attractive minimalistic figure thanks to its streamlined body, unibody polycarbonate construction, and flush buttons. Even though we appreciate the uniform looks, we're not too thrilled about the flat button – making it rather difficult to feel them out. Nevertheless, HTC seems like they're following in Nokia's footsteps by making the handset available in a variety of vibrant colored paint jobs.

Checking out its display, we're somewhat taken back at first to see this beauty sizing up with a 4.3" display – whereas before with the Titan II, they were able to bring a 4.7-inch display to a Windows Phone. Regardless of that, it's still an attractive one since it's flaunting a resolution of 720 x 1280 and some luscious looking colors thanks to the Super LCD-2 panel it's packing along. Sure, it's a pleasant looking displaying on its own, but it doesn't necessarily improve upon what HTC has done with other devices.

Inside of this fashion conscious smartphone, there's a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor calling the shots. Unfortunately though, we can't pass judgment on its performance with Windows Phone 8 running, since we are barred from looking at any piece of the software aside from the Windows Phone 8 Start screen. Still, we'd expect nothing but a peppy performance considering the processor has shown its potential on other devices.

Furthermore, HTC made sure to tout about the handset's cameras – even more when it seems as though manufacturers have been gunning to make a big improvement in this area. In the rear, there's an 8-megapixel snapper with LED flash, while a 2.1-megapixel camera is positioned on front. Interestingly enough, the two feature F2.0 lens for superior quality under low lighting situations. However, it's noted that the front-facing camera offers a wide 88-degree capture field – allowing you to get all of your friends into the shot. As much as they talked big about it, again, we're waiting to see some actual shots for ourselves to pass judgment.

Overall, the svelte and compact appearance of the HTC 8X, combined with the various colors it'll be available in, seems like a very attractive package. However, we're curious to see what additional software enhancements that HTC will make with the Windows Phone 8 experience to push it ahead of the competition (Nokia to be specific). And of course, pricing will surely play a crucial role with this one if it aims to be the true flagship device for the mobile platform.

It really doesnt look like a Nokia at all IMO. The back is nothing like the 920, and its significantly smaller and lighter. Nokia doesnt have a monopoly on colors people.

I have to say that the display though will be absolutely gorgeous. The SLCD2 screen on the One X is already amazing and the 8X will have it as well at 342 PPI. That screen will be vibrant and crystal clear.

i still think nokia will be the greatest on WP empire like samsung on the android empire!

but htc 8X and 8S are really good-looking devices! im not really a fan of shinny phones but lumia 920 catch my eyes.but these 8X is really good too!and the design are really inspired by the competion--the polycarbonate body and the new xperia phones! but its specs aren't the same with 920 and i think it wont be a competitor to 920 or ativ S coz it has 820's specs! but still a great device! looking forward for the release!

I don't understand. You say the 8X has 820 specs, in WHAT WAY does it have 820 specs? The 8X has 720p screen, more internal storage, a better F2.0 lens on rear camera, a 2.1M pixel camera on the front, a bigger battery. These specs all match and the front camera actually beats the 920. In my opinion, it's competing with the 920 and Ativ S...

a lot of people actually think this isnt a worthy flagship coz its a real step down from titan/titan2

yes it has a great camera but dont forget that 820 has carl ziess on it! and dual LED flash... and 720p screen too! and fyi 8X has 16gb of memory with no microSD slot while 820 might only have 8GB but atleast expandable memory, also has wireless charging and changable shells..

and nokia even said that pixel dont matter.. the one that matters is what you do with them! so even that 8S has 2.1mp front facing camera which is nice but front facing cameras are use for video calls purposes coz a lot of people dont usually use front facing camera to take photos with themselves.. they still use rear one! but it is nice that htc put 2.1mp!

they are the same size 4.3" same chipset 1.5ghz dual core with 1gb of RAM.. so i think 8X isnt a worth competitor of lumia 920 or ativ S... coz 8S is a real loser if it will go after lumia 820! even though it look really nice, but spec wise, no! there's no front facing camera and it will chase for 820? FAIL!

No the 820 does not have a 720p screen. It has a 480 x 800 (217ppi) AMOLED screen.
The 8X has 720 x 1280 (340ppi) IPS LCD2 screen.

Fair enough, the camera isn't even used as much. But for me, 720p screen is a must in 2013, for a "high-end" device.
I'm also not sure what you mean by it being a "step down" from the Titan models... The only feature that has better is the camera (16M pixel) and like you said, pixels don't matter.

I went to the meet and greet that they had for the HTC windows phone 8 phones, and they feel incredibly well built, but the 8x felt a little bit awkwardly tall with allot of extra bezel, while the 8s felt normal shape. One great feature that I hope they continue to use on their future products that they included with these is the dedicated power buttons.

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